Don't cut off Southeast Alaska's access to EVs

By Steve Behnke

Southeast Alaska communities are different from most of America. We're not connected by roads. If we want to move vehicles in or out of town, we rely on barges and ferries. That's why Alaska Marine Lines' (AML) recent decision to stop shipping electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles is so troubling: it cuts us off from affordable, reliable transportation that fits our communities perfectly.

Juneau is already a leader in clean transportation. With more than 1,000 electric vehicles in a community of 30,000, we have the highest per-capita EV adoption in Alaska. Short commutes make even older used EVs practical here—many families find them to be the cheapest and most dependable cars they've ever owned. AEL&P provides abundant, reliable, low-cost hydroelectricity, meaning EVs run on clean, renewable energy. The City and Borough of Juneau has strong climate and renewable energy goals, and has already replaced nearly half its bus fleet with electric buses, with more on the way.

AML's new policy threatens all of this. Owners who need to ship EVs south for repairs will be stranded. Families and businesses who want to buy or sell EVs will lose their freedom of choice. Cities investing in electric buses, ferries, and other equipment may see their plans blocked. The ripple effects on our economy and clean energy goals are significant.

We fully support marine safety. But AML's ban appears to be a reaction to international shipping incidents that have no bearing on our situation. The recent, widely reported shipboard fires involved low-cost Chinese-made EVs bound for Mexico. These cars were not approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and could not legally be sold in the United States. The vessel itself was Liberian-flagged and operating under very different conditions than AML's open-deck barges.

AML has shipped EVs safely to Juneau for more than a decade without incident. Other marine operators, from BC Ferries to Washington State Ferries, transport EVs and large lithium battery systems every day under well-established safety protocols. And it's worth remembering that gas-powered vehicles — still carried on every barge — are statistically more likely to catch fire than EVs.

There are sensible steps AML could take: requiring proper battery charge levels, improving monitoring, or adding crew training. Instead, the company has imposed a sweeping ban that harms Southeast Alaskans and stifles progress.

Renewable Juneau urges AML to reconsider this unnecessary restriction. Our communities deserve access to affordable, clean transportation — just like everywhere else. AML can ensure safety without blocking the path forward.

• Steve Behnke is a co-founder and Board member of Renewable Juneau, a non-profit that helps Juneau reduce costs and carbon emissions through energy efficiency and beneficial electrification.